24-10-2012, 12:20 PM
Reconfigurable Antennas for High Data Rate Multi-beam Communication Systems
ABSTRACT
High-speed (2-100 Mb/sec) wireless data communication - whether land- or satellite-based - faces a major challenge: high
error rates caused by interference and unpredictable environments. A planar antenna system that can be reconfigured to
respond to changing conditions has the potential to dramatically improve data throughput and system reliability. Moreover,
new planar antenna designs that reduce array size, weight, and cost can have a significant impact on terrestrial and satellite
communication system performance. This research developed new individually-reconfigurable planar antenna array elements
that can be adjusted to provide multiple beams while providing increased scan angles and higher aperture efficiency than
traditional diffraction-limited arrays. These new elements are microstrip spiral antennas with specialized tuning mechanisms
that provide adjustable radiation patterns. We anticipate that these new elements can be used in both large and small arrays
for inter-satellite communication as well as tracking of multiple mobile surface-based units. Our work has developed both
theoretical descriptions as well as experimental prototypes of the antennas in both single element and array embodiments. The
technical summary of the results of this work is divided into six sections: A. Cavity model for analysis and design of pattern
reconfigurable antennas; B. Performance of antenna in array configurations for broadside and endfire operation; C.
Performance of antenna in array configurations for beam scanning operation; D. Simulation of antennas in infinite phased
arrays; E. Demonstration of antenna with commercially-available RF MEMS switches; F. Design of antenna MEMS switch
combinations for direct simultaneous fabrication.